Positive and Negative Effects of Caffeine

Caffeine is a well know drug which has become part of the global culture. Its  mood enhancing ability has made it the number one drink mainly found in coffee and tea,colas and even energy drinks.

However popular it is there are some positive effects but many more negative ones.

Positive Effects of Caffeine ( in very limited doses)

• A quick fix  – i.e. morning pick me up.
• Activates pleasure in the brain, weaker than heroin, but still there.
• Short term adrenaline booster.

Possible Positive Effects Of Caffeine

• Less likely to develop Parkinsons Disease.
• Reduced chances of colon cancer.
• Reduced chances of developing cirrhosis of the liver.
• Possibly beneficial in treating asthma, headaches, migraine.

Negative Effects of Caffeine

• Fatigue and even depression once the caffeine induced adrenaline wears off.
• High doses of caffeine can induce panic attacks.
• Too much caffeine can leave you with a headache or an upset stomach.
• Makes you feel jumpy and irritable if you don’t get another ‘kick’
• Can cause a rapid heartbeat, convulsions or even delirium.
• Lack of deep sleep which is essential for full body power and day after day can add up to a real sleep deficit.
• Can increase anxiety, stress and even food cravings.
• Recent research from the University of Nevada School of Medicine in the US have indicated that high coffee consumption may delay conception.
• Although extremely uncommon too much caffeine in blood plasma can be fatal, normally from abnormal heart rhythms or seizures.

The above may force you back into the cycle of taking more caffeine to help with the negative side effects of the drug.

Medical Uses For Caffeine

Although caffeine has been defined as a drug, it still has many advantageous uses in the medical world.

• Treated with a citrate of potassium or sodium it can help premature babies to breath.
• Young children with breathing problems after surgery can benefit.
• Caffeine can improve the effectiveness of aspirin.
• Research suggests that drinking 1-3 cups of coffee per day can possibly reduce the chances of contracting diabetes.

Suggested Reading

All About Caffeine

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